Ecology and Sustainability

Wherever possible we aim to make our projects sustainable. This isn't a new fad for us but an underpinning philosophy. In all honesty the world we live in presents many paradoxes to the process but taking this into account we aren't doing too badly.

On most projects now, both in town and country we look into the following:

Woodchip Boilers
On most small estates and farms there are redundant barns that need a new lease of life. There are often neglected bits of woodland needing care and attention. Inevitably there are houses needing heat. By combining the three things and adding the needs of a human being wanting employment we have found a perfect synthesis. We are completing a five house scheme in Suffolk that will bring the Anglo Saxon relic woodland back from the brink of destruction, employ a woodman, heat five substantial houses and prevent an Historic Suffolk Barn sliding further into decay.

Two further projects are being designed from scratch to accommodate woodchip boiler technology.

Reed Beds and Sewage Recycling
Not getting very far with this as the cost and upkeep issues are a bit of a turn off to most clients who don't have the manpower to sustain it. I am planning to undertake more research. Once one person does it successfully then I imagine more will follow. Any helpful advice would be very welcome.

Water Saving- Underground Storage and Ponds
Being part Mediterranean has made me a water saving fool for years. I rarely water my own garden unless its slops from the house. Plant properly, is my motto. On top of that we now include underground roof water tanks to many projects. It's basic but useful. Big underground tanks and a small pump. Amazing how fast they fill and empty. Also BRING BACK PONDS. We always check historic records for pond locations and try and reinstate them. No house was ever built far from water. Every home should have one.

Planting Hedges
In the last seven years I have planted over 1 million pounds worth of native hedges surrounding gardens I'm making. These hedges are always locally specific mixes and are very high in fruit and nut content. The advantages are simple; food for wildlife and man, pollination and food for bees and insects, over wintering sites, nesting sites, wildlife corridors, deer protection (they can't jump a high hedge), small mammal protection, habitat for slow worms, beauty for the eye of the beholder, harvests, scent, cut flowers, wind protection and so the list goes on. They are the ultimate in consumer pyramids and work exceptionally well even in town.

Ornamental Planting
In the main I plant large trees and shrubs sourced from well established German trade nurseries. The quality is exceptional and not available in the UK. The road haulage is not especially eco friendly but there are no alternatives so far.

For ornamental planting my view is always to design to the site conditions. The planting style I like has a natural rhythm with the course of the year. I like to leave most herbaceous over winter and cut back hard in spring, a bit like a hay cut. Its fairly rough and ready but the results are good. Luckily this is in fashion. I'll probably carry on when the fashion fades!